George Ann (LaChance) Smith

WATERVILLE – George Ann (LaChance) Smith, 87, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at Glenridge nursing home.

George Ann was born Feb. 22, 1939 in Winslow to Leo and Lucille (Boulette) LaChance and attended Winslow schools. In her childhood years she enjoyed spending time at camp on Webber Pond.

In September 1958, she married Rodney Wentworth. George Ann and Rodney had two daughters, Susan and Janet. The family enjoyed camping together during their summers at Pleasant Point Campground. George Ann was a hardworking and familiar face in the community, having dedicated over 20 years of service at Cottle’s and Shop ‘n Save. After Rodney’s death in August 1981, George eventually found love again, marrying James “Jim” Smith in April 1986. They made their home on McGrath Pond in Oakland while spending their winters in Oldsmar, Fla.

George Ann was a very creative person. On a summer day, you could find her searching for treasures at local flea markets or yard sales. As a gifted artist, she dedicated decades to perfecting her stained glass and watercolor techniques, passions she took great joy in passing down to her daughters and granddaughters. Every year, she painted a winter-themed Christmas card, a cherished annual tradition that friends and family were always delighted to receive. George Ann’s life was filled with vibrant interests; she could often be found line dancing, shopping, or working outside in her flower gardens. One of her greatest joys was interior design, and she took immense pride in decorating her homes in both Maine and Florida. In her later years, George Ann found great peace and pleasure in watching the birds from her front window. Above all, she cherished the time spent in the company of her family and friends.

For more than two decades, a favorite tradition of hers was gathering with Jim and their close friends for Sunday morning breakfast. In their free time, George Ann and Jim loved hosting family and friends for gatherings on their party boat. There was truly never a dull moment with George Ann. Her quick wit, sense of humor, artistic flair, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.

George Ann was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 24 years, Rodney Wentworth, and her husband of 36 years, James “Jim” Smith. George Ann was also predeceased by her stepdaughter, Julie Smith.

She is survived by daughters, Susan Brown and her partner, Chris Chesley of Benton. Janet Quirion and her husband, Carl of Winslow, her stepson, James Smith Jr. and partner Kathy of Vassalboro, her stepdaughter, Joanna Bearce and husband, Jeffrey of Belgrade; her grandchildren, Amanda Turner and husband, Randy of Unity, Erin Estes and husband Steve of Hermon, Danielle Quirion and partner, Stewart Stewart of Gardiner, Monique Cummings and husband Fenton of Saco, Amber Chesley of Colorado, Justin Bearce and partner Tabitha Doak of Waterville, Jayson Bearce and wife Juli of Florida; and her five great-grandchildren, Olivia and Isaac Turner, Zoe and Abby Estes, and Sterling Cummings. She is also survived by her brother, James LaChance, and his wife Donna of Clinton; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her devoted companions, her dog, Trooper, and her cats Chloe and Zoe.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In remembrance of George Ann’s life and her love for animals, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the

Humane Society

Waterville Area

100 Webb Rd.

Waterville, ME 04901